* * *
Full of shadowy doubts, Sam wondered if all the people who’d tried to warn her about Mac could be right? There was no denying his letters proved how he’d changed. He hadn’t been home for two long years and doubtless found Sam’s letters gauche and boring. Without knowing quite when it happened, her world had narrowed until he’d become an obsession, while his horizons had widened.
It was with a mixture of anticipation and dread she awaited his homecoming.
When he stood in the sitting room of her home, a grin on his handsome face, Sam was struck dumb. Such was the force of his personality the room shrank. He was more attractive than ever and seemed to be bursting with vitality.
He opened his arms to her and Sam knew she would remember this moment forever; would remember his particular scent, so masculine, so fresh, so full of the outdoors. His dark hair, longer than before, was tousled, reaching just past his shirt collar.
“It’s good to see you, kitten,” he drawled. Then to her utter joy and surprise he kissed her full on the lips. Holding her at arm’s length he studied her while he turned her from side to side. “You’re so tall. Look at you—you’ve filled out in all the right places.” His mischievous wink made her tremble all the more.
“I was worried you wouldn’t make it home in time for my birthday party this evening,” she managed to get out, still stunned by his kiss.
“I promised I would, didn’t I? Would I break a promise to my sweetheart?”
Sam’s heart missed a beat as his eyes roved over her. Drawn like a moth to a candle she moved closer, and his hands linked with hers. Innocent she might be, but his look conveyed a message even she couldn’t misinterpret.
“You’ve grown even more beautiful,” he said softly, and her pulse leapt in feverish pleasure.
Barbara came into the room and glanced from one to the other when she saw their linked hands. “Would you stay for lunch?” she asked.
“I was worried you wouldn’t ask,” he said.
“Great, then you can help us with the preparations for this evening.” To Sam, her mother seemed just as eager as Sam to keep him there.
They laughed and chattered all through the meal, and Sam was so happy that later she couldn’t remember what was said, such was her euphoria.
When Mac prepared to leave at three o clock, Sam pleaded, “Please be early this evening.”
And he promised, “I will, kitten. I wouldn’t miss the occasion for anything.”
Lonely Pride Page 11